Sustainable Leadership, Burnout Becky Rusch Sustainable Leadership, Burnout Becky Rusch

Stop and Smell ... That Sweet, Sweet Entrepreneurial Freedom!

One of the big reasons people decide to become entrepreneurs is for the freedom. It’s true that they love what they’re doing and believe in its impact, but it’s also the appeal of being able to be your own boss and make your own hours. So, if freedom and flexibility were the reasons you became an entrepreneur – why are you still doing it all?

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From Home Comfort to Team Energy: Why I'm Excited About Going Back to the Office

Earlier this year, I sat in an empty office waiting for a delivery of a conference table and a refrigerator – typical when you’re moving to a new office (#entrepreneurlife). While I was there, I had a couple of meetings on Zoom. We laughed and joked about how bizarre it was to be taking this meeting from a mostly empty office. But after we said our goodbyes, I reflected on a few things ...

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Why People Really Stay: It's Not Just About the Paycheck

Countless companies throw money at their retention problems – higher salaries, catered lunches, ping pong tables – only to watch their best talent walk out the door anyway. Why? Because they missed what actually matters. What employees truly crave is painfully simple: to be seen and valued for who they are and what they contribute.

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Why I'm Making “Zero Work, 100% OFF” My New Non-Negotiable

A few months ago, I made a resolution for myself and started implementing it immediately. Looking forward at 2025, I have a lot of things I’m excited for – and I mean REALLY excited. But if I’m going to get there with continued enthusiasm and without dropping the ball, I’ve got to start respecting my boundaries a heck of a lot more.

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Embracing 50: A Journey of Wisdom, Joy, and Legacy

In February, I celebrated my 50th birthday … and I found myself caught in an emotional tug-of-war – both loving and loathing this significant milestone. But that morning, I made a decision: 50 isn't just a number; it's a mindset. And I'm fully committed to embracing this new chapter with intention and purpose.

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Effective Leadership, Clear is Kind Becky Rusch Effective Leadership, Clear is Kind Becky Rusch

Board and Executive Director Relationship – Part 3/3: Creating an Excellent Working Relationship

You've poured your heart into your nonprofit's mission. You've nailed the fundraising, developed strong programs, and built a stellar team. But if you don’t have an excellent ED-Board partnership, you can only get so far. So, let’s take a look on how to ensure your partnership is out of this world.

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Business Strategy, Decision Making Becky Rusch Business Strategy, Decision Making Becky Rusch

The F.I.T.T.S. Framework: A Gray Breakthroughs Decision Analysis Exercise

The thing that differentiates a good idea from a great one is if it’s actually worth your time, energy, and resources to pursue. You have to take that 30-thousand-foot view of something and determine if it’s a good idea or if it will just leave you frustrated and anxious about the potential unintended consequences of pursuing something you shouldn’t have.

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Effective Leadership, Delegation Becky Rusch Effective Leadership, Delegation Becky Rusch

Board and Executive Director Relationship – Part 2/3: Board Excellence Blueprint

Part of what makes your board able to give support to your Executive Director is by having out of this world board governance. This might sound overwhelming - but by following this Board Excellence Blueprint, your board will be outstanding in no time. An excellent board leads directly to amplifying your nonprofit’s impact.

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Board and Executive Director Relationship – Part 1/3: Supporting Your Executive Director

We all know you joined your nonprofit's board because you care about the mission - but do you ever wonder why some nonprofits create tremendous impact while others are barely moving the needle? The difference often comes down to how the board supports its Executive Director. When your ED thrives, your entire organization flourishes.

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Boost Your Business While Making a Difference: The Rotary Advantage

We’ve all heard “Rotary this...” and “Rotary that...” - but what exactly is Rotary? And is it really something worth putting your time into? Rotary International describes itself as “a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.” And yes, it is absolutely worth it.

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Building Bonds, Not Just Buzz: The True Value of Sponsorships

You know that feeling when your traditional marketing efforts just aren't cutting it anymore? It's time to shake things up with strategic sponsorships that can transform your business presence. There’s a reason that companies stay in your brain - like State Farm and Coors Light. And it’s not because of your untapped passion for insurance and beer.  It’s because you see them making a difference in your community through sponsorships.

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Operational Efficiency, Technology Becky Rusch Operational Efficiency, Technology Becky Rusch

Beyond the Like Button: Creating Authentic Online Community Engagement for Nonprofits

The days when social media success was measured purely in likes and shares are long gone – that’s so 2012. To stay with the times, nonprofits need to foster genuine connections that inspire real community involvement. But how can you create meaningful digital engagement that actually moves the needle?

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